Many rural areas in France offer équitation, a pleasant way to leave the hustle-bustle of tourist areas and auto roads for a relaxing jaunt through the stunning French countryside. Typical offerings run the gamut: hourly rentals, passes for multiple rides, guided half- or full-day walks, and 2- to 7-day excursions.

All levels of riding ability can be accommodated at most facilities, and ponies are generally available for children as young as 3 years old. Riding lessons are also available in many cases, conducted by licensed instructors.

Not all of the facilities listed here have established their own web sites, as of press time. For those that do have one, most are in French only. Each link below will open the applicable web site in a new browser window (above this one) or tab. When you are finished exploring the site, simply close that window or tab to return to this page.